Residents urged to continue using recycling bins until April 1

Sarasota, FL: As new, large recycling carts are delivered curbside this month, City of Sarasota residents are urged to continue using their classic recycling bins until April 1.

The new single-stream collection system begins April 1 when City of Sarasota crews take over recycling collection. The current contractor, Waste Pro, does not have the necessary equipment to lift the 65-gallon carts. Recycling carts left curbside prior to April 1 will not be emptied.

“We understand residents are excited about the new single-stream carts and want to use them right away. But, we’re asking everyone to please be patient. If you put recyclables in the new cart before April 1, our current contractor will not pick it up. So, please continue to recycle using your old bins for the next several weeks until April 1,” said Public Works General Manager Todd Kucharski.

Approximately 15,000 carts are being delivered to residential customers throughout March. The large carts, with wheels and a lid, will replace the smaller recycling bins. The new single-stream system will allow all recyclables to be placed together in the large cart. Once the new collection system begins, the old recycling bins can be placed curbside for pickup, so the City can re-purpose or recycle them.

Beginning April 1, only recyclable materials should be placed in the new carts, including aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, glass bottles and jars, paper products (newspaper, magazines and flattened cardboard) and empty plastic bottles and containers.

Some items that cannot be recycled: plastic bags, pizza boxes, clothing, linens, anything containing food or liquid and any wires, hoses or chains that could tangle recycling equipment.

For more information and instructions on what can and cannot be recycled, plus other Frequently Asked Questions, visit sarasotafl.gov/becartsmart.

About the City of Sarasota: Distinguished by Google as a Digital Capital in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at SarasotaFL.Gov